Tricyclic pteridinones and a process for their preparation

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel tricyclic pteridinones, their aza analogs and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Further encompassed by the invention is a novel process for the production of the tricyclic pteridinones and their aza analogs. The compounds of the invention exhibit cardiovascular properties, particularly mixed vasodilation and selective venous and arterial dilation. Pharmaceutical compositions are proposed for the compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 07/961,987, filed Oct. 16, 1992; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/844,324 filed Mar. 2, 1992, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 649,384, filed Feb. 1, 1991, now abandoned; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 437,574 filed Nov. 17, 1989, now abandoned, whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel tricyclic pteridinones, their aza analogs and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Further encompassed by the invention is a novel process for the production of the tricyclic pteridinones and their aza analogs. The compounds of the invention exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties for which pharmaceutical compositions are proposed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION COMPOSITION-OF-MATTER ASPECT

In its composition-of-matter aspect, this invention relates to novel tricyclic pteridinones, their aza analogs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Compounds encompassed by the invention are of the following Formula I: ##STR1## wherein A is N or CR₂, B is N or CR₂, D is N or CR₃.

R is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, arylloweralkyl, pyridinylloweralkyl, R₆ S(O)_(n), --NR₇ R₈, ##STR2## R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, arylloweralkyl, pyridinylloweralkyl, --NR₇ R₈, ##STR3## R₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl optionally substituted by 2 adjacent hydroxyl groups, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, loweralkoxyloweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, cycloalkylloweralkyl, arylloweralkyl, pyridinylloweralkyl, aryloxyloweralkyl, pyridinyloxyloweralkyl, ##STR4## R₃ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, aryloxyloweralkyl or pyridinylloweralkyl;

R₄ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, cycloalkylloweralkyl or arylloweralkyl;

R₅, R₅ ' are the same or independently hydrogen or loweralkyl;

R₆ is loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, arylloweralkyl or pyridinylloweralkyl;

R₇ are the same or independently hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl or arylloweralkyl;

R₈ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, hydroxyloweralkyl wherein the hydroxy may not be α to the hetero atom, dihydroxyloweralkyl, wherein the hydroxy groups may not be a to the hetero atoms or on the same carbon atom, loweralkoxyloweralkyl, arylloweralkyl, aryloxyloweralkyl, arylloweralkoxyloweralkyl, pyridinylloweralkyl,-loweralkyl-N(R₇)₂, ##STR5## or imidazolylloweralkyl; R₁₀ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, arylloweralkyl, pyridinylloweralkyl or imidazolylloweralkyl;

R₁₁ are the same or independently hydrogen or methyl;

X is --CH₂ --, --O--, --S(O)_(n) -- or --NR₁₀ ;

n is the integer 0, 1 or 2;

p is the integer 0 or 1;

t is the integer 1 or 2;

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;

with the provisos that:

only one of A and B and

only one of B and D is N.

As used herein, the term "lower" when used conjunctively with alkyl or alkoxy shall represent a straight or branched chain alkyl of one to four carbon atoms as for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tertiary butyl. The term C₁ -C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl will include the same entities. The term C₁ -C₈ straight or branched alkyl shall be inclusive of the above terms plus for example, n-pentyl, isopentyl, β-methylbutyl, γ-methylbutyl and β,β-dimethylpropyl: n-hexyl, δ-methylpentyl, β-ethylbutyl, γ-ethylbutyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, ε-methylheptyl, β-ethylpentyl, γ-ethylpentyl, δ-ethylpentyl, γ-propylbutyl, n-octyl, iso-octyl, β-ethylhexyl, δ-ethylhexyl, ε-ethylhexyl, β-propylpentyl, γ-propylpentyl. C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl shall include for example α-propenyl, β-propenyl, isopropenyl, β-methylpropenyl, α-butenyl, β-butenyl, δ-butenyl, β-methyl-β-butenyl and β-ethyl-β-hexenyl. Cycloalkyl shall be taken to mean a saturated carbocycle of from three to eight carbon atoms such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl. The term aryl shall be taken to mean a phenyl group optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 moieties selected from hydroxy, methoxy or chlorine.

Contemplated as part of this invention are the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula I. These may be acid or base addition in nature. The acid addition salts may be formed with inorganic or organic acids. Illustrative but not restrictive examples of such acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, citric, acetic, propionic, benzoic, napthoic, oxalic, succinic, maleic, malic, adipic, lactic, tartaric, salicylic, methanesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, toluenesulfonic, benzeneslfonic, camphorsulfonic and ethanesulfonic acids. The base addition salts may be formed with the metal ions as for example, sodium, potassium or calcium.

It is to be understood that the definition of the compounds of Formula I encompasses all possible stereoisomers and mixtures thereof, which possess the activities discussed below. In particular, it encompasses the geometrical and optical isomers and the racemic modifications thereof which possess the indicated activity.

It is also to be understood that the definition of the compounds of Formula I encompasses all possible polymorphic modifications and other solid state modifications which possess the stated activity. The compounds which follow are some of those which serve to exemplify various aspects of the invention described herein.

1. 9-Butyl-4-ethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

2. 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-methylthioimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

3. 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-methylsulfonylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

4. 4,9-Diethyl-2-[(2-Diethylaminoethyl)amino]-7-methylimidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

5. 2-Amino-4,9-diethyl-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

6. 4-Ethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-9-(2-phenylethyl)imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one.

7. 2-[[(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]amino]-4,9-diethyl-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

8. 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-[(phenylmethyl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one.

9. 4,9-Diethyl-2-[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) propylamino]-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

10. 8,9-Diethyl-4-[(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)amino]imidazo-[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

11. 4-(2-Propyl)-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)triazolo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

12. 4-Cyclohexyl-2-(pyrrazol-1-yl)pyrrazolo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

13. 4,9-Diethyl-2-(2-ethylpyrrol-1-yl)pyrrolo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

14. 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-[[2-(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)ethyl]amino]-imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

As stated previously, the compounds of the invention have been found to exhibit a variety of pharmacologic effects. More particularly certain of the compounds exhibit mixed inotropic and vasodilatory actions whilst others exhibit vasodilator effects with little or no inotropic activity. Thus various compounds would be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, angina, hypertension, broncho congestion and cerebrovascular disorders. Some of the compounds have also been found to have antiarrhythmic effects. Sub genera to the general compounds of Formula I certain groups of compounds have been found to have potent PDE inhibiting and cGMP potentiating effects. These are:

a) where R₁ is lower alkyl and B or D is N;

b) where R₁ is a nitrogen connection and B is N

or

c) where R₁ is a diamine grouping and B or D is N.

PROCESS ASPECT

The novel tricyclic pteridinones and their aza analogs, the subject of this invention are prepared essentially as illustrated in the following Schemes A, A/2, B and C which schemes are inclusive of a novel cyclization step. ##STR6##

As illustrated in the foregoing Schemes A, A/2, B and C wherein R, R₁, A, B & D are as previously defined, an appropriately substituted, chloro or dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine (prepared by standard methods known in the art) is treated with a substituted or non-substituted imidazole, pyrrole, pyrrazole or 1,2,4-triazole (either as their sodium, lithium or potassium salts or with a tertiary amine base) in an aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile, ether, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide or methylene chloride at a temperature of from about -70° C. to about 100° C., to yield either the mono or disubstituted 5-nitropyrimidine. The nitro group is reduced to the amino group most generally with tin (II) chloride.

In the case of 4 and 4,5 substituted imidazoles, attack by the less hindered nitrogen of the imidazole leads to the major product. Attack by the more hindered nitrogen can be achieved by protecting the less hindered nitrogen with a trityl or silyl group prior to the displacement reaction. The by-product of this reaction is trityl or silyl halide.

The cyclization procedures known in the art are not sufficient to prepare the compounds of this invention. As for example, the cyclization techniques as utilized in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,929 would not allow D in Formula I to be nitrogen, but more importantly when D in Formula I is CR₃, R₃ could not be loweralkyl, aryl or aryloxyloweralkyl, and R₂ could only be H.

The novel cyclization process of this invention is reacting a compound of the following Formula II: ##STR7## with a one to four equivalent excess of a doubly activated carbonic acid derivative in an inert aprotic solvent at a temperature of from 150° C. to about 200° C. for about 30 minutes to about 6 h. In one aspect, in Formula II, R, R₁, A, B and D have the same meanings as in Formula I. In another aspect of the same process, A, B and D and the proviso with respect thereto, n and p have the same values but

R is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyloxy, R₆ S(O)_(n), W--ALK--Q--N(R₇)₂, ##STR8## R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyloxy, R₆ S(O)_(n), W--ALK--Q, --N(R₇)₂, ##STR9## R₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl optionally substituted by 2 adjacent hydroxyl groups, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, loweralkylloweralkoxy, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylcycloalkyl, loweralkylaryl, loweralkylpyridinyl, loweralkylaryloxy, lowerlkylpyridinyloxy, loweralkyl-N(R₈)₂, ##STR10## R₃ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylaryloxy or loweralkylpyridinyl;

R₄ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, loweralkylcycloalkyl or loweralkylaryl;

R₅, R₅ ' are the same or independently hydrogen or loweralkyl;

R₆ is loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylaryl or loweralkylpyridinyl;

R₇ are the same or independently hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl or pyridinyl;

R₈ is the same as R₇ ; Q is ##STR11## W is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl which may be substituted by 1 or 2 hydroxy groups, pyridinyloxy, ##STR12## R₉, R₁₀ take the same meaning as R₇ ; R₁₁ are the same or independently hydrogen or methyl;

X is --CH₂ --, --O--, --S(O)_(n) -- or --NR₁₀ ; and

ALK is a C₁ -C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl optionally substituted by a mono hydroxyl group which cannot be attached to a carbon atom adjacent to Q or W when Q or W are hetero atoms.

The doubly activated carbonic acid derivative is selected from carbonyldiimidazole, diphenyl carbonate, phosgene or an equivalent, preferably carbonyldiimidazole. The aprotic solvent is selected from N-methylpyrrolidinone, tetralin, decalin, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, preferably 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The temperature of the reaction is preferably 150°-180° C. with a reaction duration of about 1 h.

After the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture is cooled and the final products extracted with aqueous acid or base dependent on the substituents present. The final products are further purified by crystallization or column chromatography.

Method of Use and Pharmaceutical Composition Aspect

The compounds of this invention have been found to generally exhibit cardiovascular effects. More especially they have been found to be combined inotropic and vasodilator agents and to be selective vasodilator agents. Furthermore, among the selective vasodilators they are distinguishable as mixed (arterial and venous) vasodilators, selective venodilators and selective coronary artery dilators. The combined inotropic vasodilators would be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Likewise, the selective vasodilators with a mixed profile for reduction of preload and afterload on the heart have utility in congestive heart failure; in addition, such agents have utility in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and other disorders of the circulation. Selective venodilators, which decrease the pre-load on the heart have utility in the treatment of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure. Selective coronary dilators have utility in certain forms of angina pectoris and other coronary vessel related diseases.

The following procedure was used for the initial identification of compounds having vasodilator activity. Such compounds would be useful for the treatment of hypertension or heart failure. The compounds were evaluated by assessing vasodilator activity in rings of canine coronary artery and mesenteric vein in vitro.

Dogs of either sex were anesthetized with pentobarbital (35 mg/kg, i.v.). The heart and mesentery were removed and placed in oxygenated (95% 0₂ /5% CO₂) physiological salt solution (PSS) at 37° C. The circumflex coronary artery and the mesenteric vein were dissected free from the adventitia, cut into segments of approximately 2 mm in length, mounted on muscle holders, and placed into 20 mL organ baths filled with PSS, with oxygenation and temperature maintained as above for study under isometric conditions. Optimum preload for each ring was determined with 20 mM KCl followed by a 30 min relaxation period.

Tissues were checked for endothelial competence by contracting the rings with 20 mM KCl (arteries) or 2 μM phenylephrine (veins) and then challenging with 1 μM acetylcholine or 20 U thrombin, respectively. A relaxation of at least 65% was considered acceptable. The vessels were then washed free of drugs and allowed to relax for 30 min.

For compound testing, the coronary artery rings were contracted with 50 nM 9,11-dideoxy-11α,9α-epoxymethano-prostaglandin Fα: (U46619), and the mesenteric veins were contracted with 2 μM phenylephrine. These concentrations were chosen to provide approximately 50% of the maximum contraction attainable. Test compounds were added beginning 5 min after the contraction had reached a plateau. Additions were made cumulatively as log doses over the concentration range of 10 nM to 100 μM. Successive doses were added to the bath at 10 min intervals or when the previous response had reached a plateau.

After the last dose of test agent, the tissues were washed repeatedly every 10 min until complete relaxation was obtained. Tissue viability and endothelium competence was then verified by recontracting the vessels with the prostaglandin (arteries) or phenylephrine (veins) and challenging with acetylcholine or thrombin, respectively, as above.

The compounds which exhibited mixed (arterial and venous) vasodilator activity were then tested for their guanosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate phosphodiesterase inhibition (cGMP-PDEI) characteristics. The mode of testing was a modification of the procedure by W. J. Thompson, et al. Those mixed vasodilators with cGMP-PDEI mechanisms should be useful in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases.

The compounds were tested for their inotropic activity, that is for usefulness as cardiotonic agents, in the ferret papillary muscle contractility model which model is published in J. Med. Chem. 1987, 30, 1347.

Total effective vascular compliance was measured in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs pretreated with atropine, propranolol, and hexamethonium to block reflex responses and using a sustained infusion of norepinephrine to increase central venous pressure to approximately 5 mm Hg. Animals were instrumented for the measurement of left ventricular pressure, aortic pressure, and central venous pressure. Measured volumes of blood were infused and withdrawn and changes in central venous pressure were monitored (see Stewart, D. J., Elsner, D., Sommer, O., Holtz, J, and Bassenge, E. Circulation 74:573-582, 1986).

Total effective vascular compliance was expressed as the reciprocal of the slope of the volume-pressure curve. This model measures the compliance of the total vascular bed, but, since 85% of the total compliance lies on the venous side, experimental results largely reflect actions on the venous side.

The compounds of the invention which exhibit mixed vasodilator effects and are also cGMP, PDE inhibitors are exemplified by compounds such as 4,9-diethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one and 9-ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methyl-4-(2-propyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

The compounds of the invention which exhibit mixed vasodilator effects but which are not cGMP-PDE inhibitors are exemplified by compounds such as 9-ethyl-4-[(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)amino]-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one and 9-ethyl-7-methyl-4-[(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one.

Compounds which exhibit selective venodilator and no cGMP-PDE inhibition are exemplified by 9-ethyl-4-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)amino]-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one and compounds which exhibit selective coronary artery dilation and no cGMP-PDE inhibition are exemplified by 4-[(3-(morpholin-4-yl)propyl)amino]-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one.

Because the compounds exhibit general cardiovascular activity with specific effects, it is envisioned that they would also prove useful in disease states where bronchodilators, anti-allergics, or topical agents for baldness are indicated.

The compounds of the invention can be administered orally or parenterally. The dosage and method of administration will be dependent on the age, weight, sex and other characteristics of the subject to be treated and the disease state or states to be treated. The compounds when administered orally or parenterally will be admixed with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which may be solid or liquid in nature, in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practices taking into account the compound/s to be administered, the dosage form and disease state/s to be effected.

Preparations of the compounds include such solid form as powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. Liquid form preparations include solution, suspensions and emulsions. Formulations for topical application would include such forms as creams, aerosols, sprays, powders, lotions, ointments and appliques.

The invention described hereinabove is illustrated below in the Examples which, however, is not to be construed as limiting the invention.

A. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF COMPOUNDS OF SCHEMES A AND A/2

EXAMPLE 1 2-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-4-(2-propyl)imidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Combine 29 g (0.12 mol) of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitro-6-(2-propyl)-pyrimidine with 42 g (0.62 mol) of imidazole in 500 mL of acetonitrile, and stir at room temperature for 24 h. Remove the solvent under vacuum, slurry the residue in 500 mL of CH₂ Cl₂ and wash with 4×500 mL 10% K₂ CO₃. Dry the organic portion over MgSO₄, treat with charcoal, filter and concentrate the filtrate to dryness under vacuum to afford 2,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-nitro-6-(2-propyl)pyrimidine.

Dissolve the above nitro pyrimidine (16 g, 53.5 mmol) in 300 mL of ethyl acetate and add 35 g of tin (II) chloride dihydrate. Stir for 2 h at room temperature. Remove the solvent under vacuum and slurry the residue in 2 L of CH₂ Cl₂. Wash with 2×3 L 10% KOH. Dry the CH₂ Cl₂ portion over MgSO₄, treat with charcoal, filter, and concentrate the filtrate under vacuum. Crystallize the residue from ethyl acetate to provide 2,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-6-(2-propyl)pyrimidin-5-amine.

Combine the above pyrimidin-amine (6 g, 22.3 mmol) with 4.5 g (27.8 mmol) of carbonyldiimidazole in 150 mL of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and heat at reflux under N₂ for 2 h. Cool to room temperature. Filter the precipitate and wash with CH₂ Cl₂. Dissolve the solids in 500 mL of 10% HCl, treat with charcoal, filter, and make the filtrate basic with NH₄ OH. Filter the resulting precipitate, wash with water and then with acetone to provide the title compound.

NMR(DMSO+CF₃ CO₂ D): δ1.32(d, 6), 3.84(m, 1), 7.15(s, 1), 7.67(s, 1), 8.04(s, 1), 8.5(s, 1) and 8.69(s, 1) ppm.

The following Examples were prepared in a fashion similar to Example 1.

EXAMPLE 2 9-Ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]-4,7-dimethylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-(6(5H)-one

Prepared by the treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-methyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 3 4,9-Diethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 4 9-Ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methyl-4-(2-propyl)-imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitro-6-(2-propyl)pyrimidine, with excess 2-ethyl-4-methyl imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 5 4-Ethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 6 4,9-Diethyl-2-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-ethyl imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 7 4,9-Diethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

The compound of Example 6 (5 g, 15 mmol) is heated with 50 g of imidazole at 200° C. under N₂ for 16 h. The reaction mixture is cooled to ˜100° C., and 150 mL methanol is added. The solids are filtered and washed with methanol to provide the title compound.

EXAMPLE 8 9-Ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-propylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitro-6-propylpyrimidine with excess 2-ethylimidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole is refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9 9-Ethyl-2-(1H,imidazol-1-yl)-4-propylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 8 with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 9a

4-Ethyl-9-(1-ethylpropyl)-2-(2-(1-ethylpropyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-(1-ethylpropyl)imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9b 4-Ethyl-9-(1-ethylpropyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 9a with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 9c 4-Ethyl-9-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-2-(2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9d 4-Ethyl-9-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 9c with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 9e 4-Ethyl-9-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-(2-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-(2-phenylethyl)imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9f 9-(1,5-Dimethylhexenyl)-2-(2-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-ethylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9g 9-(1,5-Dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-ethylimidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 9f with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 9h 9-(3-Butenyl)-2-(2-(3-butenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-ethylimidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess 2-(3-butenyl)imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 9i 9-(3-Butenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-ethylimidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 9h with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 9j 9-(3,4-Dihydroxybutyl)-4-ethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Dissolve 5.25 g (15.7 mmol) of the product of Example 9i in 100 mL of acetic acid at 0° C. Add 2.79 g (15.7 mmol) of N-bromosuccinimide and 2.61 g (15.6 mmol) of silver acetate, and stir the mixture at room temperature for 24 h. Add 50 mL of 9/1 acetic acid/water and heat to 90° C. for 16 h. Filter the mixture through Celite, evaporate the solvent, and dissolve the residue in 1N HCl. Treat the solution with charcoal, filter, and make basic with concentrated NH₄ OH. Collect the precipitate and wash with water and acetonitrile. Suspend the precipitate in 200 mL of 3/1-methanol/concentrated NH₄ OH and heat to reflux for 8 h. Evaporate the mixture, dissolve the residue in 2N HCl, and precipitate with concentrated NH₄ OH. Collect the precipitate and wash with water and acetonitrile. Triturate the precipitate with boiling methanol, DMF, and then again with methanol to provide the title compound.

NMR (CD₃ CO₂ D): δ1.49(t,3), 3.20(quar,2), 3.67(m,3), 4.03(m,2), 7.64(s,1), 8.18(s,1), 8.36(s,1), and 9.67(s,1)ppm.

EXAMPLE 10 2-(2-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-9-((1H-imidazol-1-yl)-methyl)-4-(2-propyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pterldin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitro-6-(2-propyl)pyrimidine with 2.1 eq. of the sodium salt of 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl imidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole in refluxing dichlorobenzene.

EXAMPLE 11 2-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-9-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl-4-(2-propyl)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of the product of Example 10 with excess imidazole at 200° C.

EXAMPLE 12 4-Ethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)triazolo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H) -one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-ethyl-5-nitropyrimidine with excess triazole, followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 13 4-(2-Butyl)-2-(pyrrazol-1-yl)pyrrazolo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-(2-butyl)-5-nitropyrimidine with excess pyrrazole, followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 14 4-Cyclopentyl-9-ethyl-2-(2-ethylpyrrol-1-yl)pyrrolo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 2,4-dichloro-6-cyclopentyl-5-nitropyrimidine with 2 eq. of sodium pyrrole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 14A 8,9-Dimethyl-2-(4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by reaction of excess 4,5-dimethylimidazole with 2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine, followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

B. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COMPOUNDS OF SCHEME B

EXAMPLE 15 4-(Dimethylamino)-9-((morpholin-4-yl)methyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pterdin-6(5H)-one

Dissolve 50 g (0.26 mol) of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine in 500 mL of CH₂ Cl₂ and cool to -70° C. Add a solution of 24 mL (0.28 mol) dimethylamine, 70 mL (0.40 mol) of diisopropylethylamine, and 100 mL of CH₂ Cl₂ over 30 minutes. Warm to room temperature and wash the reaction mixture with 500 mL of 20% K₂ CO₃. Dry the CH₂ Cl₂ portion over MgSO₄, treat with charcoal filter, and remove the filtrate under vacuum. Crystallize the residue with ether to provide 4-dimethylamino-6-chloro-5-nitropyrimidine.

Combine 12 g (59 mmol) of the above compound with 10 g (60 mmol) of 2-((morpholin-4-yl)methyl)imidazole and 20 mL (0.12 mol) of diisopropylethylamine in 250 mL of acetonitrile and heat at reflux for 24 h. Remove the solvent under vacuum and dissolve the residue in 500 mL of methylene chloride. Wash the CH₂ Cl₂ solution with two 500 mL portions of 10% KOH, dry over MgSO₄, treat with charcoal, filter and concentrate under vacuum. Crystallize the residue from ether.

NMR (CDCl₃) δ2.27(t, 4), 3.20(s, 6), 3.42(t, 4), 3.74(s, 2), 7.01(d, 1), 7.11(d, 1), and 8.50(s, 1) ppm.

Combine the above compound (9 g, 27 mmol) with 25 mL cyclohexene, 2 g of palladium on carbon, and 150 mL of ethanol and reflux for 4 h. Remove the catalyst by filtration and concentrate the filtrate under vacuum. Crystallize the residue from ether.

NMR (CDCl₃) δ2.38(t, 4), 3.01(s, 6), 3.48(t, 4), 3.67(s, 2), 3.77(s, 2), 7.14(d, 2), and 8.27(s, 1) ppm.

Combine 6 g (18 mmol) of the above amino compound with 3.5 g (22 mol) of carbonyldiimidazole in 150 mL of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and heat at reflux under N₂ for 2 h. Cool to room temperature and chromatograph on 300 g of silica gel using 2% MeOH/CH₂ Cl₂. Combine the appropriate fractions and concentrate under vacuum. Crystallize the residue from EtOAc to provide the title compound.

NMR (DMSO): δ2.60(t, 4), 3.03(s, 6), 3.52(t, 4), 4.37(s, 2), 7.85(s, 1), 8.39(s, 1), and 10.65(s, 1) ppm.

The following compounds were prepared in a fashion similar to Example 15.

EXAMPLE 16 9-Ethyl-4-[N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 2-(2(methylamino)ethyl)pyridine followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 17 9-Ethyl-4-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 1-methyl-4-(methylamino)piperidine followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with palladium on carbon and cyclohexene in refluxing ethanol, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 18 4-[(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)methylamino]-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 6-chloro-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-nitropyrimidin-4-amine with 4-phenylimidazole followed by reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 19 9-Ethyl-4-[N-(phenylmethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N-methyl benzylamine, reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 20 9-Ethyl-4-(methylamino)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by hydrogenation of the product of Example 19 with palladium on carbon in ethanol containing 2 eq. NaOH, at 50 psi and 50° C. for 24 h. The catalyst was removed and the product was precipitated by addition of a saturated solution of ammonium chloride. The solids were filtered and washed with water and ethanol to provide the title compound.

EXAMPLE 21 9-Ethyl-7-methyl-4-[N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)methylamino]imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N,N,N'-trimethylethylenediamine followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 22 9-Ethyl-4-[((2-dimethylamino)ethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N,N,N'-trimethylethylenediamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 23 9-Ethyl-4-[(1-methylpiperdin-4-yl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 1-methyl-4-(benzylamino)piperidine, followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with refluxing 6N HCl for 30 minutes.

EXAMPLE 23a 4-((2-(Diethylamino)cyclohexyl)amino)-9-ethylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N-benzyl-2-(diethylamino)cyclohexylamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with refluxing 5N HCl for 3 h.

EXAMPLE 24 9-Ethyl-4-[(2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of N-(2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl)methylamine with 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine, followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 25 9-Ethyl-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by hydrogenation of the product of Example 24 with palladium on carbon in methanol containing 1.1 eq. NaOH at 50 psi for 8 hr.

EXAMPLE 26 9-Ethyl-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N-(2(benzyloxy)ethyl)benzylamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole, and hydrogenation with palladium on carbon in methanol containing 1.1 eq. NaOH at 50 psi and 50° C. for 24 h.

EXAMPLE 27 9-Ethyl-7-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with dimethylamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 28 9-Ethyl-7-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)-2-(methylthio)imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitro-2-(methylthio)pyrimidine with dimethylamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 29 9-Ethyl-7-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo[5,1-h)-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the oxidation of the product of Example 28 with 3 eq. of m-chloroperbenzoic acid at 0°-20° C. in 10% methanol/methylene chloride. The reaction mixture is washed twice with 5% KHCO₃. The organic portion is dried over MgSO₄, charcoal treated, and concentrated to near dryness. The residue is crystallized with acetonitrile to provide the title compound.

EXAMPLE 30 9-Ethyl-4-[N-(phenylmethyl)methylamino]-2-(methylthio)imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitro-2-(methylthio)pyrimidine with N-benzyl methylamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 31 9-Ethyl-4-[N-(phenylmethyl)methylamino]-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the oxidation of the product of Example 30 with 3 eq. of m-chloroperbenzoic acid in 10% methanol/methylene chloride at 0°-20° C.

EXAMPLE 32 9-Ethyl-2-[((2-diethylamino)ethyl)amino]-4-[N-(phenylmethyl)-methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the treatment of the product of Example 31 with 10 eq. of N,N-diethylethylenediamine at 120° C. for 4 h. The excess diamine was removed under vacuum and the residue precipitated with 10% K₂ CO₃. The solids were filtered, washed with water, then acetone, to provide the title compound.

EXAMPLE 33 9-Ethyl-2-[((2-diethylamino)ethyl)amino]-4-(methylaminoidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared from the product of Example 32 by hydrogenation with palladium on carbon in methanol with 1 eq. NaOH at 50° C. and 50 psi for 24 h.

EXAMPLE 34 9-Ethyl-4-[((2-diethylamino)ethyl)amino]-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N,N-diethyl-N-benzylethylene diamine, followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 35 9-Ethyl-7-methyl-4-[(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 4-(2-benzylamino)ethylmorpholine, followed by reaction with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 36 9-Ethyl-7-methyl -4-[(3-(morpholin-4-yl)propyl)amino]imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 4-(2-benzylamino)ethylmorpholine, followed by reaction with 4-phenylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 37 4-[(2-(Morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)amino]-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 4-(2-benzylamino)ethylmorpholine, followed by reaction with 4-phenylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 38 4-[(3-(Morpholin-4-yl)propyl)amino]-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 4-(3-benzylamino)propylmorpholine, followed by reaction with 4-phenylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 39 9-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)methyl-4-[(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)amino]imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with 4-(2-benzylamino)ethylmorpholine, followed by reaction with 2-((1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)imidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole, and hydrogenation with palladium on carbon in ethanol containing 1.1 eq. NaOH at 50° C. and 50 psi.

EXAMPLE 40 9-Ethyl-4,7-dimethyl-2-(methylthio)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4-chloro-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)-5-nitropyrimidine with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 41 9-Ethyl-4,7-dimethyl-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the oxidation of the product of Example 40 with 3 eq. of m-chloroperbenzoic acid in 20% methanol/methylene chloride at 0° C.

EXAMPLE 41a 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-(methylthio)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4-chloro-6-ethyl-2-(methylthio)-5-nitropyrimidine with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole.

EXAMPLE 41b 4,9-Diethyl-7-methyl-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo[5,1-h ]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by oxidation of the product of Example 41a with 4 eq. of m-chloroperbenzoic acid in 5% methanol/methylene chloride at 0° C.

EXAMPLE 41c 2-((2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)amino)-4,6-diethyl-7-methylimidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by the treatment of the product of Example 41b with 10 eq. of 3-amino-1,2-propanediol in N-methylpyrrolidinone at 100° C. for 18 h. The mixture was poured on water to precipitate the product. The solids were filtered, washed with water, and then acetonitrile, to provide the title compound.

EXAMPLE 42 9-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)methyl-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by treatment of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N-benzylphenylethylamine, followed by reaction with 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole, and hydrogenation with palladium on carbon in ethanol containing 1.1 eq. NaOH at 50 psi and 50° C.

EXAMPLE 43 8-Ethyl-4-[(2-(dlethylamino)ethyl)amino]imidazo[2,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by reaction of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N,N-diethyl-N'-benzylethylenediamine, followed by displacement with 4-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole, and debenzylation with 6N HCl.

EXAMPLE 44 9-Ethyl-4-[(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)amino]imidazo[2,1-h]-pteridin-6(5H)-one

Prepared by reaction of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine with N,N-diethyl-N'-benzylethylenediamine, followed by displacement with 1-trityl-4-ethylimidazole, reduction with tin (II) chloride, cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole and debenzylation with 6N HCl. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for the production of a compound of the following Formula I ##STR13## wherein A is N or CR₂ ;B is N or CR₂ ; D is N or CR₃ ; R is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyloxy, R₆ S(O)_(n), W--ALK--Q, --N(R₇)₂, ##STR14## R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyloxy, R₆ S(O)_(n), W--ALK--Q, --N(R₇)₂, ##STR15## R₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl optionally substituted by 2 adjacent hydroxyl groups, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, loweralkylloweralkoxy, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylcycloalkyl, loweralkylaryl, loweralkylpyridinyl, loweralkylaryloxy, loweralkylpyridinyloxy, loweralkyl-N(R₈)₂, ##STR16## R₃ is hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylaryloxy or loweralkylpyridinyl; R₄ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₃ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkenyl, loweralkylcycloalkyl or loweralkylaryl; R₅, R₅ ' are the same or independently hydrogen or loweralkyl; R₆ is loweralkyl, aryl, pyridinyl, loweralkylaryl or loweralkylpyridinyl; R₇ are the same or independently hydrogen, loweralkyl, aryl or pyridinyl; R₈ is the same as R₇ ; Q is ##STR17## W is hydrogen, hydroxy, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, pyridinyl which may be substituted by 1 or 2 hydroxy groups, pyridinyloxy, ##STR18## R₉, R₁₀ take the same meaning as R₇ ; R₁₁ are the same or independently hydrogen or methyl; X is --CH₂ --, --O--, --S(O)_(n) -- or --NR₁₀ ; ALK is a C₁ -C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl optionally substituted by a mono hydroxyl group which cannot be attached to a carbon atom adjacent to Q or W when Q or W are hetero atoms; n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; p is the integer 0 or 1; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; with the proviso that:only one of A and B and only one of B and D can be Nwhich comprises reacting a compound of the following Formula II: ##STR19## wherein R, R₁, A, B and D have the same meaning as in Formula I; with a 1-4 equivalent excess of a doubly activated carbonic acid derivative in an inert aprotic solvent at a temperature of from 150° C. to about 200° C. for about 30 minutes to 6 hours.
 2. A process of claim 1, wherein said doubly activated carbonic acid derivative is carbonyldiimidazole, said inert aprotic solvent is 1,2-dichlorobenzene, said temperature range is about 150°-180° C. and said duration of the reaction about 1 h.
 3. A process of claim 1 wherein B is N, A is CR₂ and D is CR₃.
 4. A process of claim 1 wherein D is N, A is CR₂ and B is CR₂.
 5. A process of claim 4, the product of which is 9-ethyl-4-[N-2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)-methylamino]imidazo[5,1-H]-pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-[N-(phenylmethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-(methylamino)imidazo-[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-7-methyl-4-[N(2-dimethylamino)ethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)amino]imidazo[5,1-h)pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-H]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4,7-dimethylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6-(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6-(5H)-one, 4,9-diethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]-teridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-methyl-4-(2-propyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-(methylsulfonyl)-4-[(N-phenylmethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-[[(2-diethylamino)ethyl]amino]-4-[(N-phenylmethyl)methylamino]imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-[(2-diethylamino)ethyl]-amino-4-methylaminoimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 4-(dimethylamino)-9-((morpholin-4-yl)methyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridino-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-7-methyl-4(dimethylamino)-imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-7-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)-2-methylthioimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-7-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 4,9-diethyl- 2-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 4,9-diethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-65(H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-l)-4-propylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-propylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one, 9-ethyl-4-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-amino-7-methylimidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one or 4,7-dimethyl-9-ethyl-2-(methylsulfonyl)imidazo[5,1-h]pteridin-6(5H)-one. 